Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced today the signing of defenseman Raphael Diaz to a two-year contract (2012-13 and 2013-14). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Diaz, 26, completed his first season with the Canadiens in the NHL in 2011-12. The 5’11’’, 191 lbs defenseman recorded 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) in 59 games. He tallied one winning goal, added 61 shots on goal and served 30 penalty minutes, while averaging 18:00 of ice time per game. Diaz blocked 102 shots, ranking third among rookie defensemen in the NHL. He missed the team’s last 16 games of the season due to a season-ending groin injury.

A native of Baar, Switzerland, Diaz was part of the All-Rookie Team at the NHL All-Star Weekend. He first signed with the Canadiens as a free agent on May 13, 2011.